Enjoy a Magical Christmas Season in Copenhagen
Seasonal cheer, ‘Jul’ magic, Tivoli, and traditional Christmas Markets. If you’re looking for a winter wonderland straight out of a Hollywood movie, then Copenhagen is the destination for you!
Festive fun is something in abundance in Copenhagen this season, with the long dark nights providing the perfect backdrop for the sparkling lights and decorations. If you are visiting then don’t miss out on Tivoli theme park in the city centre - it turns into a real winter wonderland and is an unforgettable experience. There is also the chance of snow bringing the magic to the Christmas markets, and festive food, drinks, and Father Christmas to be found. As well as being a time to spend with family, it’s also party time, so take advantage of the festive spirit and buzzing night life this season to enjoy the city’s atmosphere. 
The Danish capital is transformed with decorations and markets, making it feel cosy and showcasing Danish ‘Jul’ tradition as you enjoy the glow of Christmas lights, the smell of warm ‘gløgg’ spiced wine, and of course the best parties in the heart of the city in Copenhagen Downtown Hostel. Find out what’s on here!
What to Expect at Christmas in Copenhagen
This is a season of being cosy (or ‘hygge’), Christmas (‘Jul’) traditions, and connecting with friends and family. It’s a time of warmth and bringing together people and communities to celebrate together.
The streets are decorated with Red paper hearts (julehjerter) that hang across streets and windows throughout the city centre - especially down the pedestrian shopping streets around Strøget. The heart is a symbol of the city - check out our coins to see! You will also see plenty of lights, lanterns, and candles as a cosy light spreads a light and warmth around the city. With fir and spruce wreaths and garlands, steaming gløgg wine at stalls and markets and Christmas sweets - it’s like the picturesque scene from a Christmas movie. You might even catch a Christmas elf! The decorations go up in November and the Christmas markets open, but by early January these are finished, so make sure you time your visit to enjoy the Christmas spirit.
Copenhagen Christmas Markets 2025
Copenhagen’s atmospheric Christmas markets are world-famous and 2025 will be no exception! This year there is also a focus on being more sustainable, with zero-waste stalls, recycled materials used in decorations, eco-friendly packaging and impressive carbon-neutral lighting systems!
Tivoli Gardens Christmas Market
November until January 2026, closed December 24th
The first and most famous is of course Tivoli…! This fairly tale scene is world famous and the best way to get in the Christmas spirit - Tivoli could event melt Scrooge’s heart! It’s filled with thousands of lights, over 15,000 Christmas trees, traditional Christmas market stalls, and there are shows, food, the famous rollercoaster and theme park rides, and plenty of hot drinks. Grab a hot chocolate and take a walk in winter wonderland! In Tivoli there is also the celebrational Fireworks Festival -25 & 26 December at 20:45, and New Year’s Eve Fireworks - 31 December at 23:00.
Højbro Plads Julemarked
Open until 21 December
Traditional and old-fashioned, this is a festive experience that has all the Christmas icons such as the sleigh, food, drinks, and artisans gifts.
Hans Christian Andersen Market (Nytorv)
Open until 21st December
Appropriate to this Danish fairy tale author, this market has themed stalls which are based on fairy tales. It’s something special to see and worth a visit.
Nyhavn Christmas Market
It’s touristy but the views are great of all the lights in the harbour. The picture-perfect Nyhavn harbour with its colourful houses and boats is even more charming when it’s decorated for Christmas. There is a market here with traditional wooden huts selling handicrafts and food, sweets, and drinks. Wrap up warm as it can be cold on the waterfront!
Kongens Nytorv Market
King’s Square provides the perfect backdrop for this delightful market as it’s surrounded by some of the city’s most historic and grandest buildings and the famous decorations of Hotel D’Angleterre. Perfect for gifts, or just getting in the Christmas spirit.
Christiania Christmas Market
As you might expect from Christiania, this is more of a quirky market than traditional, with some unique and handmade gifts on sale. It’s great for arts and crafts and something a little more creative than the usual gifts. Hosted in the church.
Christmas at Copenhagen Zoo
Yes, you can see the penguins and a glass of mulled wine - enjoy a new tradition of Christmas cheer with the animals as festive stalls line up beneath the lights.
Bakken Christmas Market (Dyrehaven)
Further afield but if you have transport then you can go just outside the city and find a Christmas village in the world’s oldest theme park at Bakken! Famous for the oldest rollercoaster in the world.
Hit the Ice with these Ice Skating Rinks
Frederiksberg Runddel Ice Rink
November 2026 – February 2027
Free entry! This local neighbourhood skate rink runs every year. You can bring your own skates or rent for 50 DKK (don’t worry it’s mostly locals bringing their own!) Here you can find Christmas lights, cheerful music, and a cosy festive atmosphere.
Broens Skøjtebane (Bridge Rink)
From 4 November 2025 – 26 February 2026
Another local hang out with ice disco nights, street-food stalls and hot apple cider is the Bridge Rink.
Traditional Festive Danish Foods to Eat!
There are a whole host of traditional Christmas foods in Denmark, with delicious sweets and savoury offerings. Starting off with Gløgg (Mulled Wine) - we have a recipe on our blog but it is essentially warm red wine with added cinnamon, ginger, spices, raisins, almonds, nuts, and sometimes some snaps. There is no drinks as festive! You can also enjoy a spiced apple cider (also warm) or a hot chocolate. These are found in the streets so you can warm up walking around. You will also find churros and donuts, although these are less Danish! For Danish sweets try the small ginger biscuits - pebernødde and brunkager. There are also little pancake balls often with apple which you can find at stalls in the streets or at markets such as Torvehallerne, called Æbleskiver.
For meat lovers then don’t miss out on Flæskesteg - roast pork with crackling, and risalamande for desert - this is cold rice pudding with warm cherry sauce and a hidden almond in the middle.
Wrap up warm, grab a cup of hot chocolate or gløgg, and get ready for a magical experience in Copenhagen at its most beautiful. This city is full of festive cheer in December - and you’re invited to be part of it!
Stay Cosy With Us This Christmas
Copenhagen Downtown Hostel is the perfect place to get in the festive spirit for Christmas! Not only do we have a central location where all the action is taking place, we also have cosy rooms & warm communal areas that are decorated and have festive menus and Christmas cocktails. Also - we have our international bar with legendary events all month long, and the best Happy Hour in Copenhagen.
Whether you're travelling solo, with friends, or arriving in Copenhagen for the first time, our hostel guarantees a cosy and friendly Christmas you’ll never forget. We have genuine good vibes and offer an authentic backpacker experience.
Ready for Christmas in Copenhagen 2025?
Book your stay at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel for the best rates and the best festive vibe in town.
Merry Christmas & Glædelig Jul from all of us at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel!